At least 110 million people around the world had been forcibly displaced by mid-2023, according to the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR).
Just over a year later, in 2024, the number of people uprooted by persecution and conflict has risen to 120 million.
Each year, World Refugee Day, held on June 20, aims to raise awareness of the ongoing global crisis that has forced millions of people from their homes.
From escalating conflicts to rising sea levels and climate change, many organisations fear that the world’s refugee crisis could become even worse in the coming years.
With an added 10 million people being forcibly displaced since last year, NGOs are urging immediate action to support people forced from their homes and livelihoods.
World Refugee Day aims to do something about it, encouraging people to talk about the refugee crisis while celebrating the strength and resilience of those forced to flee.
What happens on World Refugee Day?
Today, a number of events and celebrations are taking place around the world to recognise World Refugee Day.
Alongside the hashtag #WithRefugees, people are being encouraged to share their support on social media and show solidarity with refugees worldwide.
Today’s events are broad and wide-reaching, taking place everywhere, from London to Afghanistan. People can get involved with cooking classes, cuppa tea get-togethers, screenings and panel talks.
It is also a day where people are encouraged to help.
“World Refugee Day should mark a new commitment to help people in need, not just a historic number of people in need. Innocent civilians are victims of conflict and disaster and need support, not demonisation. 120 million displaced are 120 million individual stories, 120 million urgent reasons for action,” said David Miliband, CEO of the International Rescue Committee.
What is the theme for World Refugee Day 2024?
This year's theme is "Solidarity with Refugees" and several organisations, including the UNHCR and the World Health Organization (WHO), have come together to recognise the annual event.
What is a refugee?
Refugees are people who have been forced to leave their countries and find safety in other parts of the world.
They may have fled bloody conflicts, persecution and violence, often leaving with few belongings while fearing for their lives.
According to the official UN Refugee Convention, a refugee is someone who, ”owing to a well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group, or political opinion, is outside the country of his nationality, and is unable to or, owing to such fear, is unwilling to avail himself of the protection of that country”.
People who come to a country seeking asylum are referred to as asylum seekers until they are granted refugee status.
Current avenues for gaining refugee status are limited, time-consuming, and backlogged. Some people legitimately fleeing persecution and war feel that they have no choice but to enter a country illegally by boat.
